Resignation Follows Years of Internal Division
Brent Leatherwood resigned Thursday as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), capping a tumultuous tenure. Leatherwood’s exit comes just weeks after he defended the ERLC’s role at the SBC’s annual meeting in Dallas, where 43% of delegates voted to abolish the organization. Though that effort failed, it reflected deepening distrust.
Leatherwood’s resignation was accepted by ERLC trustees, who appointed chief of staff Miles Mullin as interim president. Leatherwood cited no specific reason, only that “it was time to close this chapter.”
Political Misalignment and Growing Criticism
Leatherwood, known for his Washington policy experience, increasingly faced criticism from SBC members who viewed the ERLC as politically out of touch. Opponents pointed to ERLC stances on immigration and gun policy as signs of a liberal shift. His post-Covenant School shooting advocacy for red-flag gun laws drew ire from gun rights supporters.
Even prominent voices like Albert Mohler questioned the ERLC’s effectiveness. Critics claimed the agency failed to reflect the priorities of the denomination’s 47,000 congregations.
Supporters Acknowledge Struggles, Defend Mission
Supporters, including Senator James Lankford and trustees like Mitch Kimbrell, praised Leatherwood’s efforts on issues such as abortion and religious liberty. They highlighted recent successes like contributions to Planned Parenthood defunding efforts and donations to pregnancy centers.
Still, many acknowledged that change was inevitable. Pastor Andrew Hébert noted that trust between the ERLC and churches “must be rebuilt,” starting with new leadership more closely tied to pastoral life.
Leadership Transition Raises Questions About ERLC’s Future
Miles Mullin, a former church history professor, will serve as acting president as trustees begin the search for a successor. Observers expect the role to remain under intense scrutiny. Pastor Griffin Gulledge said the next leader must rebuild trust “between the ERLC and the churches and pastors it represents.”
Leatherwood’s departure underscores the challenge of representing a decentralized denomination in an era of political polarization. No timeline has been announced for selecting a permanent replacement.
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ERLC President Steps Down Amid Southern Baptist Discord
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